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Introduction

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion.

The palace gained in importance starting from the time of 9th king of Joseon, Seongjong, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese Invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it holds a number of cultural treasures such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.

Changdeokgung’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called ‘Bukwon’ and ‘Geumwon,’ but was renamed ‘Biwon’ after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, the Changdeokgung Palace was not designated a World Cultural Heritage by the World Cultural Heritage Committee until December of 1997, at the committee meeting in Napoli, Italy.
(Click here for more information on Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the "first ladies of the Seoul G20" during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the historic attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.

[Korean] Changdeokgung Palace
※ Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10): 2,400 won
※ Youths (ages 24 and under): Free
※ Long-term admission ticket: 30,000 won (For regular tour only)
- Admission hours 09:00 - 17:30 / Expires a month after purchased date. / In order to get the pass, submit a picture of applicants.
※ Lunch hour admission ticket: 5,000 won (For regular tour only)
- Admission hours 12:00 - 13:00 / Limited 10 times for use anytime during 3 months after purchased date. (Applicants are limited to office workers near the palace or residents in the area.)
※ Following people in the category may enter free of charge: Children (age 6 & below) accompanying a guardian. Seniors (ages 65 & over). Teachers and/or guides on an educational purpose for nursery, elementary, middle and high school students. Hanbok wearer (Only during New Year’s Day and Chuseok holidays). People with handicapped. Youths (ages 24 and under). The holders of important intangible cultural properties.

Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area)
※ Adults (ages 19 and over): 5,000 won
※ Youths (ages 7-18): 2,500 won
※ To participate in a special tour around Huwon, both regular tickets (3,000 won) and admission to Huwon (5,000 won) should be purchased.
※ Seniors are required to purchase the tickets to enter Huwon.
※ Following people in the category may enter free of charge: Children (age 6 & below). People with handicapped.

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*Integrated Admission
- Admission to the Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palaces (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine.
- Ticket price: 10,000 won per person (Valid for 1 month after purchase).
- Refunds are not available after the ticket has been used at the first site.
- Visitors may go on a combined tour of Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces. (Separate tickets must be purchased at Hamyangmun Gate.)
- The Jongmyo Shrine tour will be offered only at specific times during the day, except on Saturdays when visitors may tour at their leisure. During this time, the passage connecting Jongmyo Shrine and Changgyeonggung Palace will be closed to the public. - Closed on Mondays: Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung palaces.
- Closed on Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine.

Available Facilities

Benches, water fountain, shaded rest areas, snack bar

Facilities for the Handicapped

Free wheelchair rental services, restrooms, reserved parking
spaces
* Due to the steep slope of the land, wheelchair users may find it hard to nagivate around the Ongnyucheon area.